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Avoiding Death by PowerPoint: The Pecha Kucha Method

Years ago, I heard about a method of delivering PowerPoint presentations that helped avoid many of the pitfalls we encounter when preparing or watching them - slides with tons of text, presenters reading directly from the slides, presentations that seem to take forever!

The format was simple - limit presenters to the number of slides they can have, limit them to just one image on a slide, and limit them to little or no text. Then, force the presenter to use the auto-timing in PowerPoint so that each slide only plays for a limited time and then the presentation moves on automatically.

I loved the idea, but forgot what it was called. I knew it had a Japanese name and I searched everywhere for it, to no avail. Well, I ran across it last night! It's called Pecha Kucha. The format is exactly as described with even more specifics - 20 slides for 20 seconds each. The Official Pecha Kucha Website has even more details.

Here's a video of a Pecha Kucha that explains Pecha Kucha:

The idea has spawned Pecha Kucha Nights (PKN's) all over the world. PKN's are social events in which local presenters use the Pecha Kucha format to present on a variety of topics. Coupled with socializing and happy hour, these events are creating a big following. I even discovered there are PKN's in good old San Antonio! Click HERE to search for PKN's in your city.

I could really see this format having strong educational value. As we try to equip our students with 21st Century Skills, it's clear that presentation skills are important. I have seen far too many student PowerPoint presentations where students read directly from the screen. Forcing them to use the Pecha Kucha format would heighten their delivery skills and get them to PRACTICE before presenting.

Comments

Thanks Roland for sharing this. Every semester I literally die when I have students present something. They almost always use death by powerpoint. For the past few semesters, I have been encouraging them to think outside the box and do something truly creative and different. What I've found out his most educators have a small box and don't want to venture outside it. This may help them start something a little different.

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